The Festival of Bands USA features a very full day of marching activities for a large lineup of bands from South Dakota, Minnesota, Iowa and Nebraska. This 30th year of competition is expected to draw up to 10,000 visitors and competing band members. The 2017 lineup will feature 30 bands on parade and 20 bands in field performance.

The seven-block morning parade travels south on Dakota Ave. from 6th Street to 13th Street, with the judging on 11th Street. The eight-block morning parade follows Main Avenue through downtown Sioux Falls, with judging near the third block of the route.

During the parade and at prelims, bands compete in four classes for rating and ranking, with judges offering evaluation and commentary to the competitors. Trophies are awarded to the top three bands in each class. At finals, the 10 advancing bands compete in one class for trophies to the top five places.